Schoolchildren and staff were thrilled to learn some BMX tricks when they received a visit from an Olympic medal-winning rider.

Declan Brooks brought the bronze he won at the Tokyo Olympics when he made his first school visit since his Olympic success to Didcot Primary School.

Mr Brooks, 26, who was born in Portsmouth and practised at the Southsea skate park, was confirmed on the Great Britain team for the delayed 2020 Summer Games in Japan in June 2021.

And on August 1 he won the bronze medal in the BMX Freestyle.

 

Oxford Mail:

 

During a whole school assembly Declan showed the children some of his amazing BMX skills, including jumping over a couple of willing staff members.

He also spoke to the children about how he got into the sport and his attitude to learning.

He told them of the training and dedication it takes to be an Olympic athlete, and aoubt resilience and how important it is to keep trying.

A school spokesperson said: "It does take many hours of training to get to Declan's standard, so please don't try any of the tricks at home!

"The children got to hold his - very heavy - Bronze medal, and he has hopefully inspired the next generation of Olympians!

"We wish him every success for his future competitions, and we look forward to welcoming him back to our school in the future."

Declan thanked the school and said: "It was so great to meet all the amazing children!"

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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